Celebration of Acceptance offers mental health resources to LGBTQ youths

A Celebration of Acceptance at the James Lee Community Center on May 3 focused on mental health awareness and inclusion, particularly for LGBTQ+ youths.

That’s critical because students in that community are more likely to be bullied, contemplate suicide, and struggle with mental health issues.

The event, hosted by the Community Service Board’s (CSB) Equity and Youth & Family divisions, featured dozens of tables with information about mental health resources.

There were food trucks, games, crafts, giveaways, an art display, and an opportunity to feed three friendly alpacas from Rancho El Chalan in Warrenton.

Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik (Providence), Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid, and Providence school board member Karl Frisch spoke about the importance of having a welcoming environment that accepts all youths, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Despite an increase in awareness about the need for acceptance, there is also a growing political backlash aiming to curb the rights of LGBTQ+ youths.

Related story: LGBTQ advocates blast Youngkin’s policy to roll back protections for trans students

Meanwhile, students continue to be harassed. “There is more work to do,” says CSB Deputy Director Abbey May.

“It’s unbelievable how much hate there is,” says Matthew, a seventh-grader at Frost Middle School, who does not identify as LGBTQ+ but has friends and family members who do.

He’s heard classmates threaten violence and say, “I want to kill all LGBTQ students at school.” He’s heard such remarks in the hallway and in class when the teacher isn’t looking.

Matthew says school personnel try to respond, “but they can’t catch everyone.”

Nduta, also a seventh-grader at Frost, says they’ve been bullied at school. “Students just laughed when I told them I was non-binary. They make fun of me and my trans friends.”  

Nduta joined the school’s Pride Club, sees a counselor, and has “very supportive parents.”   

Youths at the acceptance event made bead bracelets and assembled “sensory kits.” The kits consist of small bags filled with random objects – such as fuzzy balls, marbles, shells, and feathers – that kids can handle when they need to distract themselves.

Here are some mental health resources for families and teens:

• PRS Crisis Link: A free and confidential hotline and text line available 24/7 – 703-527-4077; text “connect” to 855-11.

• Dominion Hospital: Emergency mental health evaluations, in-patient and outpatient services on Sleepy Hollow Road in Seven Corners – 702-538-2872.

• Community Regional Crisis Response: 24-hour rapid response to mental health and substance use crises – 703-527-4077.

• Community Services Board: Emergency services at the Merrifield Center – 703-573-5679.

• NAMI Northern Virginia: Mental health support groups for parents.

• Fairfax County Public Schools Safety Tipline: Report concerns confidentially and anonymously – 571-423-2020.

• Safe Space NOVA: Programs and support groups provide an accepting and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youths.

• Multicultural Clinical Center: Mental health services in Springfield, including anger management for offenders.